Professor of road and transport engineering comments on Egypt’s first-ever express train

Professor of road and transport engineering Abdullah Abu Khadra commented on the express train project for the first time in Egypt’s history as the country prepares to receive its first-ever express train next November.

Egypt’s Vision for a High-Speed Rail System

Abu Khadra explained in statements to RT that Egypt is working to advance the country and make the most of Egypt’s unique logistical location as the transport ministry is working in partnership with Germany’s Siemens to build the sixth largest high-speed rail system in the world. This agreement would make Egypt a pioneer in rail technology and elevate its status at regional and global levels. Additionally, the high-speed electric train project aims to reduce smoke and carbon emissions, contributing to environmental improvement.

The High-Speed Train Project Overview

The high-speed train project in Egypt comprises four lines with a total length of 2250 km. The first line, with a length of 675 km, runs from Sokhna to New Alamein to Matruh. The second line, spanning 1100 km, connects October 6 to Luxor to Aswan to Abu Simbel. The third line, covering 225 km, travels from Qena to Hurghada to Safaga. The fourth planned line, spanning 250 km, will run from Port Said to Abu Kir and will be developed in partnership with the private sector.

The Scope of the Project

Contracts have been signed for the supply of 175 electric trains. This includes 41 express trains with a speed of 250 km/h and an average distance between stations of 50 km, 94 regional trains with a speed of 200 km/h and an average distance between stations of 25 km, and 40 freight tractors with a speed of 120 km/h. The estimated capacity is 1 million to 2.5 million passengers per day and a capacity of 10 million tons of goods transported per year upon completion.

Work Progress and Implementation Timeline

The first and second lines are currently being implemented, with the first line planned to be operational by the end of 2024. The first stage of the train connects Ain Sukhna with Alexandria, El Alamein, and Matruh, while the second stage is in progress. The first and second lines aim to promote agricultural and urban development by cultivating one million acres and accommodating 20 million citizens along the 1,200-kilometer development path from Alexandria to Toshka.

Additional Lines and Intersections

The third line will connect the city of Kena to Hurghada and Safaga. It will operate 6 express trains, 16 regional trains, and 6 locomotives, with stations at specific intervals. The fourth line will link Western Port Said to New Abu Kir, passing through multiple provinces, serving Mediterranean ports, and connecting with new urban cities.

Collaboration with Siemens and Project Challenges

The Egyptian state will hand over the first section of the electric fast train to Siemens, with the track built by Egyptian hands. Siemens will handle the electromechanical work and mobile units, with production of mobile trains already underway in Germany. The remaining trains will be delivered and tested on the line until the project’s completion in 2024. The project has faced challenges including the construction of sidewalks, bridges, industrial works, and the removal of obstacles such as mountains along the way.

Source: RT

Cairo – Nasser Hatem